Obituary of Harold D. Rhoads

Harold D. Rhoads

US Army Reserves

BROOKLYN – Harold D. Rhoads, 79, of Brooklyn died April 24, 2018.  He was the husband of Barbara (Sherer) Rhoads.  They were married August 21, 1959.  He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1976 with a BS in Computer Science.

Born April 5, 1939 in Edwardsville, IL.  Son of Herman Percy and Corrine (Young) Rhoads.

Harold known by his nickname, Dusty, loved New England and the little town he lived in.  Dusty moved his growing family to Brooklyn in 1981 to an old farm where he began raising pigs, goats, and rabbits.  He did not quit his day-job as a computer programmer for Travelers Insurance but worked in the evening and weekends along with his wife and sons.  After several years of farming, the family moved on to a little neighborhood in Brooklyn where Barbara still lives.  Dusty helped the Mortlake Fire Department park cars every year at the Brooklyn Fair and enjoyed the steak suppers and cards at the firehouse as payment.  Dusty retired from Travelers Insurance in 2001 after 20 years of service, the last four years alongside his son John.

Dusty enjoyed watching baseball, any game that was on he loved but especially the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.  Dusty was a Master Mason at Moriah Lodge in Brooklyn.  While living in Illinois, he joined Freemasonry and was at one point, a member of Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the Shriners.  He was a member of Eastern Star and Amaranth with his wife for many years.  Dusty read books constantly throughout his life.  He played piano and organ at home and taught his children a love of music.  He played chess and pitch, teaching his children along the way.  Barbara and Dusty played pitch every Friday night for many years with friends.

He leaves his wife Barbara; children, Karen A. Collins (Greg) of Maryville IL, Steven T. Rhoads, John S. Rhoads – both of Brooklyn, and Joseph A. Rhoads (Rebecca) of Providence RI; six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Chelsey, Brendonn, Drew, Lindsey,and Nathan; and three great grandchildren.

Visitation is from 4 to 6 pm May 1st at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with a Masonic Service at 6 pm. Immediately following there will be Refreshments and celebration of life at Putnam Lodge in S. Woodstock – 265 route 169.  Donations can be made to benefit Diabetes research to Rainbow Court #20 with memo of “Diabetes” Send to: Sandy Green, Secretary, 1726 South St, Coventry, CT 06238. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com